The co-creator of BBC Two’s The Fast Show graduated from the UEA in 1980 after studying for a BA in England and American Literature with a minor in Film Studies.

As well as his TV career, Mr Higson created the highly-successful series of Young Bond novels, and the young adult horror series The Enemy.

He joined hundreds of current University of East Anglia students today when he received his Honorary Doctorate of Letters on the second day of ceremonies at the UEA.

Mr Higson has retained links with the university, and was patron of its first Festival of Literature for Young People in 2013.

Speaking when his honorary degree was first announced, Mr Higson said: “I didn’t realise it back then, but my whole subsequent career came about through people I met at UEA and the subjects I studied. I thought I was just having a good time. It’s a real honour for a former blue-haired punk and layabout to be given this Doctorate.”

Before his TV career he was at the forefront of Norwich's indie music scene with his band The Higsons, who achieved considerable success all over the UK, with several John Peel sessions and one of their gigs even shown on TV if I remember rightly.